A Royal Staycation

In our family, staycations have seemed to become a trend over the past four years. There’s just something cool about playing tourist for the weekend in your hometown, and experiencing a different area. Living downtown, most meals and activities tend to take place in, or around our neighborhood, so we jump at the chance for some variety, especially uptown. A few weeks ago, our family experienced the most royal staycation of all, at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel!

I’ve actually been to the Lotte New York Palace Hotel quite a few times over the years for events, but never for an overnight stay. Every December, they display one of my favorite Christmas trees, so I’ve been eager to become a guest of the hotel! We arrived at the hotel on Friday evening, to find one the most luxurious Two Bedroom Suites waiting for us! Our room, located in the Towers section has a separate entrance and check-in.

When kids are part of a stay, the hotel offers a cool package, catering to their little interests. Upon entering our room, the kids were greeted with their Princess and Prince costumes, laid out on their beds. They suited up, and walked into the living room to find cookies, cupcakes, sweets and a welcome note for each them. Jason and I could not get over the room. If I ever have to design the apartment I want to live in forever, this room would be it! With two bedrooms, three bathrooms, an oversized living and dining room, our suite was more than comfortable for our family of five! It even had its own gym. Yep, not kidding!

This one of kind “Little Royals” Package is perfect boys and girls who dream of slaying dragons or dancing with fairies. The package includes choice of Royal Knight/Princess costume, Royal Palace themed cookies and beverages, Palace bathrobe and slippers, and a 25% discount for a Mommy & Me mani/pedi at the Palace Spa.

The next morning, we woke refreshed and headed to breakfast at VILLARD located in the lobby of the Lotte New York Palace. VILLARD restaurant offers a full a la carte breakfast and weekend brunch menu, featuring exceptional New American fare, crafted by Chef Oscar Granados, with warm service. They offer a wonderful kids menu which I always appreciate, because tiny portions when out with the kids is key. Their breakfast was super yummy, with some highlights that were suggested by our server, like the Farmhouse Popovers, Beignets, and the Billionaires Bacon. To say, it was delicious is an understatement. And what a dining room. With 24 carat gold painted ceilings, dating back to the 1800s, the space and setting for our meal was absolutely remarkable.

Since the hotel is located in the heart of Rockefeller Center, we used the afternoon to explore. I was so psyched to finally see the new Jeff Koons Seated Ballerina, perched on the same mantle that displays the Rock Center Christmas Tree, during the holidays. She was stunning to witness in person, and the girls absolutely fell in love with her.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon, walking around, visiting American Girl, Lego Store, Saks, St. Patricks Cathedral, with a final stop at Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes. If the weather was nicer, we would’ve ventured to Top Of The Rock, but the clouds would have made it impossible to see to the building next to us.

Our views were so stunning, I could’ve stared outside all day!

When we arrived back to the hotel, the kiddies quickly jumped back into their costumes, taking their role play to the halls and lobby. The gorgeous architecture throughout the Lotte New York Palace made for a pretty neat backdrop for these photos.

That evening, we took full advantage of our beautiful room, by ordering dinner from a neighboring restaurant. We put a movie on for the kids, and enjoyed our last night of royalty!

Sunday morning, we walked down to the Pomme Palais, located on the ground floor for a little brekkie. Pomme Palais provides a new take on the classic New York City bakery. Guests can choose from on-the-go macaroons, warm house-made croissants, éclairs, miniature fruit tarts, while sipping on their favorite espresso or coffee! I’ve never knew this place existed, and just fell in love with the decor and ambiance.

All good things must come to an end, but this royalty staycation will live on in our memories. The kids are still talking about it! If you are headed to NYC this summer with little ones, check out the Lotte New York Palace, for a super luxury family experience and definitely get the “Little Royals” package!

I would love to experience this with my daughter! There’s nothing better than being spoiled but a luxury hotel. It’s the perfect package for families and it would be nice to do that especially when you’re celebrating a child’s birthday!

This reminds me so much of Gossip Girl since I think that’s where Serena would usually stay. I think this is awesome and it’s a great way for families to spend time together. That’s quite an experience for the kids!

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About Brianne

Once a fashion showroom owner now turned mom and blogger/writer. Brianne Manz lives in New York City with her husband, three children and enjoys their fast paced city life. Her blog Stroller In The City boasts about city living, family travel, kids fashion and all things that are mommy. Being a mom doesn't mean you need to lose sight of the cool stuff. Brianne has has been featured on the Today Show, E! News, and People Magazine to name a few.